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Roman Heirs #2
The Legionary Seduction
Ten years of longing. A second chance at love. One shot to catch a murderer.
Max joined the Roman army in search of glory and adventure, but thanks to his dislike of punctuality and penchant for foul language, he's stuck in the provinces, unable to land even one promotion. When his latest punishment lands him on guard duty at the governor's residence, the last thing he expects is to come face-to-face with the girl he loved ten years ago. Only now, she's married to the governor.
Volusia has long resigned herself to a passionless marriage, as her husband prefers to spend his nights with his private secretary. Seeing Max again throws her orderly world into chaos, and finally she remembers how it feels to be loved, desired, and protected.
When Volusia's husband mysteriously dies, she's convinced he was murdered by the corrupt legionary commander. The only person she dares trust is Max, and she begs him to help prove her husband was murdered. Max knows speaking against his commander will risk his position in the army—not to mention his life—but if Volusia asks, he can't say no. The two become embroiled in a dangerous world of deception and corruption. Their love is strong, but can it withstand a killer's blade?
Max joined the Roman army in search of glory and adventure, but thanks to his dislike of punctuality and penchant for foul language, he's stuck in the provinces, unable to land even one promotion. When his latest punishment lands him on guard duty at the governor's residence, the last thing he expects is to come face-to-face with the girl he loved ten years ago. Only now, she's married to the governor.
Volusia has long resigned herself to a passionless marriage, as her husband prefers to spend his nights with his private secretary. Seeing Max again throws her orderly world into chaos, and finally she remembers how it feels to be loved, desired, and protected.
When Volusia's husband mysteriously dies, she's convinced he was murdered by the corrupt legionary commander. The only person she dares trust is Max, and she begs him to help prove her husband was murdered. Max knows speaking against his commander will risk his position in the army—not to mention his life—but if Volusia asks, he can't say no. The two become embroiled in a dangerous world of deception and corruption. Their love is strong, but can it withstand a killer's blade?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
4 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bigelow
5 books28 followersJenna Bigelow is a historical romance author based in Wilmington, DE. She has eleven years of Latin classes under her belt, as well as a minor in Classical Culture and Society. When not writing, she enjoys sewing, especially recreating historical fashions of the 18th and 19th centuries. She thinks about the Roman Empire every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 8, 2025
3.5 rounded up
An enjoyable story in a unique setting that I powered through in one sitting. And look at this gorgeous cover!!
I love when an author transports me to a different era, like in this story, that doesn't feel like a history lesson but I ultimately walk away feeling richer in knowledge. It was so refreshing to 'hear' the names of towns and cities other than London or Bath and to learn the different names of everyday items like food, clothing, and currency. I am inspired to research on my own!
This story has so many things that I love. Childhood friends to lovers, class difference, a road trip, cinnamon roll hero, and a strong female lead mixed with a bit of intrigue. I was easily engaged and the plot kept me interested the whole way.
I did feel a little disconnected to the romance and needed a bit more tension, longing, or swoony moments to become fully invested. I absolutely felt their friendship but needed a better sense of their chemistry.
With that being said, I see a lot of potential in this author. I so appreciate her stepping away from Regency London and opening up a new era to explore. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Open door, multiple sex scenes that are pretty straight to the point, described in detail.
I received an early copy from the author (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An enjoyable story in a unique setting that I powered through in one sitting. And look at this gorgeous cover!!
I love when an author transports me to a different era, like in this story, that doesn't feel like a history lesson but I ultimately walk away feeling richer in knowledge. It was so refreshing to 'hear' the names of towns and cities other than London or Bath and to learn the different names of everyday items like food, clothing, and currency. I am inspired to research on my own!
This story has so many things that I love. Childhood friends to lovers, class difference, a road trip, cinnamon roll hero, and a strong female lead mixed with a bit of intrigue. I was easily engaged and the plot kept me interested the whole way.
I did feel a little disconnected to the romance and needed a bit more tension, longing, or swoony moments to become fully invested. I absolutely felt their friendship but needed a better sense of their chemistry.
With that being said, I see a lot of potential in this author. I so appreciate her stepping away from Regency London and opening up a new era to explore. I look forward to the next book in the series!
Open door, multiple sex scenes that are pretty straight to the point, described in detail.
I received an early copy from the author (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 8, 2025
I am always game for a historical romance that is located in a different time/place/country, and The Legionary Seduction takes place in Ancient Rome. I felt like I could easily get into this world and even learn a little without being clueless as to hierarchy or history. This is a cross between a second chance and friends to lovers romance between Max and Volusia who have known each other since childhood, but due to status and circumstance have not see each other in over ten years.
It’s always interesting to me when you first meet the main characters and they’re in another relationship and it doesn’t seem possible that they’ll ever be together. But the way Jenna Bigelow untangles the relationships is so well done. It seems that the attraction Max and Volusia held for each other has not simmered in the least and I loved their first intimate scene where SHE is a bit of a temptress. There’s a murder plot (or two), a high stakes road trip with plenty of time for only one bed, a horse named Elephant, and a precocious son. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and plot, but just felt like maybe Max wasn’t my most favorite hero. He’s a a hothead which can be both to his advantage and disadvantage and I just wanted to see how Volusia calms him down a bit more. I think a bit more tension between them as individuals beyond external circumstances (her step-father not approving, him not being someone who can be advantageous to her son) would have bumped this book up to a higher rating for me. Regardless, anytime an author has me Googling words (do you know what a litter is? Look it up!) I’m bound to enjoy myself. I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
It’s always interesting to me when you first meet the main characters and they’re in another relationship and it doesn’t seem possible that they’ll ever be together. But the way Jenna Bigelow untangles the relationships is so well done. It seems that the attraction Max and Volusia held for each other has not simmered in the least and I loved their first intimate scene where SHE is a bit of a temptress. There’s a murder plot (or two), a high stakes road trip with plenty of time for only one bed, a horse named Elephant, and a precocious son. I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and plot, but just felt like maybe Max wasn’t my most favorite hero. He’s a a hothead which can be both to his advantage and disadvantage and I just wanted to see how Volusia calms him down a bit more. I think a bit more tension between them as individuals beyond external circumstances (her step-father not approving, him not being someone who can be advantageous to her son) would have bumped this book up to a higher rating for me. Regardless, anytime an author has me Googling words (do you know what a litter is? Look it up!) I’m bound to enjoy myself. I received an early copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2025
4.5!
Song: Still into you - Paramore
Song: Still into you - Paramore
April 15, 2025
Max is the adopted son of Aelius and Crispina (main characters from the first book). Years of boring state dinners means that Max isn’t interested in politics; the only thing that made the years bearable was his friendship with Volusia, daughter of his father’s rival. Ten years ago, they shared a stolen kiss they knew wouldn’t lead anywhere since Volusia was engaged. Now, Volusia has traveled with her husband to the province where Max’s legion is stationed. He may not have been pining for ten years, but that attraction and those emotions are still there.
Jenna Bigelow delivers another compelling historical romance set in the Roman Republic. The structure of The Legionary Seduction worked really well for me. Any time one of the main characters in a romance is attached to someone who isn’t the other main character, I’m always curious how the author is going to resolve it. Here, I liked that the somewhat conventional removal of Volusia’s husband (mysterious death) isn’t the final hurdle for Max and Volusia to be together, but rather only the beginning. Solving the mystery of his death drives the plot of the novel.
Max’s character feels very true to the child we met in Tribune Temptation. Crispina and Aelius adopt Max from the streets at an age where no education will remove the tendency to curse or to throw a fist in defense of honor. This does mean that he won’t get the promotion he probably otherwise deserves… This kind of character consistency draws me into Bigelow’s writing. A rescue road trip, a mystery to solve, and some hot tension make this a really enjoyable and unique historical romance.
Thank you to Jenna Bigelow for an eARC for review. The Legionary Seduction is out 5/8/2025.
Jenna Bigelow delivers another compelling historical romance set in the Roman Republic. The structure of The Legionary Seduction worked really well for me. Any time one of the main characters in a romance is attached to someone who isn’t the other main character, I’m always curious how the author is going to resolve it. Here, I liked that the somewhat conventional removal of Volusia’s husband (mysterious death) isn’t the final hurdle for Max and Volusia to be together, but rather only the beginning. Solving the mystery of his death drives the plot of the novel.
Max’s character feels very true to the child we met in Tribune Temptation. Crispina and Aelius adopt Max from the streets at an age where no education will remove the tendency to curse or to throw a fist in defense of honor. This does mean that he won’t get the promotion he probably otherwise deserves… This kind of character consistency draws me into Bigelow’s writing. A rescue road trip, a mystery to solve, and some hot tension make this a really enjoyable and unique historical romance.
Thank you to Jenna Bigelow for an eARC for review. The Legionary Seduction is out 5/8/2025.
June 17, 2025
I wanted so hard to really like this book but alas it fell flat for me for several reasons. I thought the writing was way too contemporary for a HR; the hero was too flippant and casual; and the use of f**k and c**t by the hero when swearing was a jarring note. I have no problem with profanity in a story but here it came across as an attention getter for the reader. It just didn’t ring with emotion and contributed nothing to the story.
The Legionary Seduction was a nice second chance at romance story with a cinnamon roll hero … who loves his horse Elephant, named because of her color. And centuries earlier Hannibal had crossed the Alps with elephants. Overall, it was an interesting book largely because of the setting and the depictions of everyday life in the Roman Empire. I have read the first book in the series and thought it was fine so had high hopes that this story would be just as good. ⭐️⭐️
The Legionary Seduction was a nice second chance at romance story with a cinnamon roll hero … who loves his horse Elephant, named because of her color. And centuries earlier Hannibal had crossed the Alps with elephants. Overall, it was an interesting book largely because of the setting and the depictions of everyday life in the Roman Empire. I have read the first book in the series and thought it was fine so had high hopes that this story would be just as good. ⭐️⭐️
April 23, 2025
We are back in Ancient Rome with the second book of the Roman Heirs series by Jenna Bigelow. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of The Legionary Seduction!
We open this book with an incredibly bored Max, stationed in Gaul with the Roman army. His garrison has little-to-nothing to do other than help with tax collection. Max struggles with the lack of adventure or opportunity for promotion which causes him to get into trouble. But that all changes when the new governor and his wife arrive because his wife is someone Max has known and loved for most of his life. Volusia is the daughter of a politician from Rome who was married off at 17 to an influential man as Max entered the army, but Max and Volusia were close as teenagers– too close for Volusia's father's comfort. And because of Max's humble origins, he knows he'll never be good enough for her family. But when Volusia's husband dies under suspicious circumstances, the only person she trusts enough to escort her back to Rome is Max so they are thrown into close proximity once again.
We met Max back in book one of the Roman Heirs series when he was a little boy who was taken in by Aelius and Crispina. While this book does standalone, I think the story hit that much harder because I knew where Max came from and the kind of hardship he endured before Crispina pulled him off the street. And in the epilogue to the first book, we see that Max is already infatuated with Volusia so it really set the stage for this novel.
I love a second chance romance. That is not a secret for anyone who follows me or my reviews. Give me a reasonably well done second chance and it will be four stars. Give me a very well written second chance romance where the pining is elite and it will be five. Max is so gone for Volusia from the second he sees her again. He remembers everything he loved about her then and as he gets to know her as an adult, he realizes she's grown as a person, just cloaked in loneliness from her loveless marriage. He can't abide that she has felt undesirable and wants to give her everything he can.
Volusia has been conditioned by her family to expect certain things from life. She expected to be an important man's wife. She expected to have at least one son with him. She expected to be faithful to him no matter what he did. It's only when she begins to want things for herself that she's willing to open herself up to Max. We see over the course of the novel that it takes a lot to deconstruct all the expectations her family and society have put on her.
One surprising element in this book was Max's relationship with his birth sister. I wasn't expecting to meet his birth family, especially because he didn't really remember them. Max's relationship with his sister was lovely to see and I appreciated that Jenna Bigelow didn't give us a big forgiveness arc with his mother. Max is allowed to be angry about what happened to him, even though his mother was trapped, too. I liked that we didn't have to witness a forced reconciliation but rather a détente between these characters.
I saved my favorite part of this book for last: Elephant. Max has a horse named Elephant who is quite possibly the love of his life. He will do almost anything for this horse and when they are parted, she occupies a lot of his thoughts. I was so bought into Max as a romance hero from page one of this book, partly because of his love for his horse.
We open this book with an incredibly bored Max, stationed in Gaul with the Roman army. His garrison has little-to-nothing to do other than help with tax collection. Max struggles with the lack of adventure or opportunity for promotion which causes him to get into trouble. But that all changes when the new governor and his wife arrive because his wife is someone Max has known and loved for most of his life. Volusia is the daughter of a politician from Rome who was married off at 17 to an influential man as Max entered the army, but Max and Volusia were close as teenagers– too close for Volusia's father's comfort. And because of Max's humble origins, he knows he'll never be good enough for her family. But when Volusia's husband dies under suspicious circumstances, the only person she trusts enough to escort her back to Rome is Max so they are thrown into close proximity once again.
We met Max back in book one of the Roman Heirs series when he was a little boy who was taken in by Aelius and Crispina. While this book does standalone, I think the story hit that much harder because I knew where Max came from and the kind of hardship he endured before Crispina pulled him off the street. And in the epilogue to the first book, we see that Max is already infatuated with Volusia so it really set the stage for this novel.
I love a second chance romance. That is not a secret for anyone who follows me or my reviews. Give me a reasonably well done second chance and it will be four stars. Give me a very well written second chance romance where the pining is elite and it will be five. Max is so gone for Volusia from the second he sees her again. He remembers everything he loved about her then and as he gets to know her as an adult, he realizes she's grown as a person, just cloaked in loneliness from her loveless marriage. He can't abide that she has felt undesirable and wants to give her everything he can.
Volusia has been conditioned by her family to expect certain things from life. She expected to be an important man's wife. She expected to have at least one son with him. She expected to be faithful to him no matter what he did. It's only when she begins to want things for herself that she's willing to open herself up to Max. We see over the course of the novel that it takes a lot to deconstruct all the expectations her family and society have put on her.
One surprising element in this book was Max's relationship with his birth sister. I wasn't expecting to meet his birth family, especially because he didn't really remember them. Max's relationship with his sister was lovely to see and I appreciated that Jenna Bigelow didn't give us a big forgiveness arc with his mother. Max is allowed to be angry about what happened to him, even though his mother was trapped, too. I liked that we didn't have to witness a forced reconciliation but rather a détente between these characters.
I saved my favorite part of this book for last: Elephant. Max has a horse named Elephant who is quite possibly the love of his life. He will do almost anything for this horse and when they are parted, she occupies a lot of his thoughts. I was so bought into Max as a romance hero from page one of this book, partly because of his love for his horse.
May 1, 2025
I loooved this!!
Roman Gaul, specifically Narbo aka Narbonne (I love the Roman history in this series). Childhood friends to lovers, second chance, he thought he didn’t deserve her, she was married to someone else at the opening of the book (!!) and—
The yearning these characters had for each other was so palpable that it was giving me irl goosebumps 🥰🥰
I loved these characters! And I loved how compatible they were. I loved the role they played in each other’s character growth. I loved how sometimes we would do the thing his way and sometimes we’d do it her way—it was just such a clear on-page demonstration of how perfect they are for each other and how happily ever after they’d be. Ugh, my heart 🥰
Our MMC so thoroughly lived in the moment that he was almost an unreliable narrator (shoutout to dual POVs books with different vibes to each narrator). And he maybe had ADHD? He was so chill but then he’d have these ADHD-like “tornado modes” where he would just get everything, even borderline impossible tasks, done in a day. And he loved his horse, like a lot.
Our FMC was very Miss. Prim and Proper (or Mrs. because again, married 👀). And she was a Taurus. I can’t explain it any better than that. Steady, grounded, quietly stubborn, kinda superficial (but also girl, get that bread), and loyal.
And I loved the impact they had on the plot. Our heroine steadily chipped away at the drama, our hero would do almost nothing and then everything all at once… and I genuinely had no idea how this book was going to end. It made this such a page-turner!
Sidenote—I think I’m realizing something. All of this 👆 is my Favourite Thing in a book. Well crafted characters, yes. But specifically: when the story FEELS like the characters. And it definitely did here.
Roman Gaul, specifically Narbo aka Narbonne (I love the Roman history in this series). Childhood friends to lovers, second chance, he thought he didn’t deserve her, she was married to someone else at the opening of the book (!!) and—
The yearning these characters had for each other was so palpable that it was giving me irl goosebumps 🥰🥰
I loved these characters! And I loved how compatible they were. I loved the role they played in each other’s character growth. I loved how sometimes we would do the thing his way and sometimes we’d do it her way—it was just such a clear on-page demonstration of how perfect they are for each other and how happily ever after they’d be. Ugh, my heart 🥰
Our MMC so thoroughly lived in the moment that he was almost an unreliable narrator (shoutout to dual POVs books with different vibes to each narrator). And he maybe had ADHD? He was so chill but then he’d have these ADHD-like “tornado modes” where he would just get everything, even borderline impossible tasks, done in a day. And he loved his horse, like a lot.
Our FMC was very Miss. Prim and Proper (or Mrs. because again, married 👀). And she was a Taurus. I can’t explain it any better than that. Steady, grounded, quietly stubborn, kinda superficial (but also girl, get that bread), and loyal.
And I loved the impact they had on the plot. Our heroine steadily chipped away at the drama, our hero would do almost nothing and then everything all at once… and I genuinely had no idea how this book was going to end. It made this such a page-turner!
Sidenote—I think I’m realizing something. All of this 👆 is my Favourite Thing in a book. Well crafted characters, yes. But specifically: when the story FEELS like the characters. And it definitely did here.
May 8, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5
The Legionary Seduction is the 2nd book in the Roman Heirs series. This is my first full-length book by Jenna Bigelow. My first was the novella for this series. I was excited to read a historical romance set in ancient Rome. This was a sweet second chance romance between childhood friends.
Max joined the Roman army for adventure and to get out of the city. He is not the best soldier, so he has not received any promotions for his years of service. He shows up late to the arrival of the new Governor and is surprised to see the woman he fell in love with 10 years ago. Volusia is the governor's wife, and Max is determined to keep his distance, but he is forced to guard the governor's residence as a punishment. Volusia has been in a loveless marriage, as her husband prefers his male secretary. She was also smitten with Max when they were younger. They were close friends and shared a kiss, but her stepfather discovered them and banned her from seeing Max.
Things get crazy when Volusia's husband dies, and she thinks he may have been murdered. She asks Max to join her on her journey back to Rome, and they start off on a road trip. There are some twists and turns regarding the corruption and murder plot that puts them in danger. They are forced together and can no longer deny their attraction and mutual pining. I thought these two were so sweet together, and I enjoyed their connection. I loved Max and how he put himself out there for his love. This man is a cinnamon-roll hero at its finest.
Thank you to Jenna Bigelow for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️.5
The Legionary Seduction is the 2nd book in the Roman Heirs series. This is my first full-length book by Jenna Bigelow. My first was the novella for this series. I was excited to read a historical romance set in ancient Rome. This was a sweet second chance romance between childhood friends.
Max joined the Roman army for adventure and to get out of the city. He is not the best soldier, so he has not received any promotions for his years of service. He shows up late to the arrival of the new Governor and is surprised to see the woman he fell in love with 10 years ago. Volusia is the governor's wife, and Max is determined to keep his distance, but he is forced to guard the governor's residence as a punishment. Volusia has been in a loveless marriage, as her husband prefers his male secretary. She was also smitten with Max when they were younger. They were close friends and shared a kiss, but her stepfather discovered them and banned her from seeing Max.
Things get crazy when Volusia's husband dies, and she thinks he may have been murdered. She asks Max to join her on her journey back to Rome, and they start off on a road trip. There are some twists and turns regarding the corruption and murder plot that puts them in danger. They are forced together and can no longer deny their attraction and mutual pining. I thought these two were so sweet together, and I enjoyed their connection. I loved Max and how he put himself out there for his love. This man is a cinnamon-roll hero at its finest.
Thank you to Jenna Bigelow for providing the ARC.
April 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Max and Volusia were friends as teenagers due to their fathers’ aligned political ambitions, but after being caught in an embrace which Volusia’s daddy was not too happy about, the two went their separate ways. Volusia off to marry another politician, and Max to adventure in the army with his bestie, Elephant. When the two are reunited ten years later, the sparks fly- but before you think this is going to be a cheating romance, our expectations are flipped on their head when Volusia’s husband is murdered. Now the two must work together to find the killer and try not to fall too deeply in love in the process.
Max & Volusia
Jenna kills the character game, and I love her consistency throughout the series. Max is exactly the foul-mouthed kid from the first book, just grown up into a himbo’s body with the strength to match. He’s exactly how I expected he would be as an adult, and that kind of follow-through is something I appreciate and makes for a stronger story overall. You can tell she truly spends time with these characters, knows them back-to-front, and can have their character development feel on-brand. Max and Volusia want very different things from life, and I loved how, despite their differences, these two had such a lasting bond. While I, at times, was frustrated with Volusia’s insistence that she must marry a politician for her son’s benefit, I can see how this time and her situation left her with few options.
This was another great trip to Ancient Rome, and I loved this childhood-friends-to-lovers road trip romance with forbidden vibes that actually felt high-stakes. The resolution was satisfying, and I appreciated the final few chapters that put in work really showing us how these two navigated toward their ideal hea. I can’t wait to see where this series and Jenna take us next!
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Max and Volusia were friends as teenagers due to their fathers’ aligned political ambitions, but after being caught in an embrace which Volusia’s daddy was not too happy about, the two went their separate ways. Volusia off to marry another politician, and Max to adventure in the army with his bestie, Elephant. When the two are reunited ten years later, the sparks fly- but before you think this is going to be a cheating romance, our expectations are flipped on their head when Volusia’s husband is murdered. Now the two must work together to find the killer and try not to fall too deeply in love in the process.
Max & Volusia
Jenna kills the character game, and I love her consistency throughout the series. Max is exactly the foul-mouthed kid from the first book, just grown up into a himbo’s body with the strength to match. He’s exactly how I expected he would be as an adult, and that kind of follow-through is something I appreciate and makes for a stronger story overall. You can tell she truly spends time with these characters, knows them back-to-front, and can have their character development feel on-brand. Max and Volusia want very different things from life, and I loved how, despite their differences, these two had such a lasting bond. While I, at times, was frustrated with Volusia’s insistence that she must marry a politician for her son’s benefit, I can see how this time and her situation left her with few options.
This was another great trip to Ancient Rome, and I loved this childhood-friends-to-lovers road trip romance with forbidden vibes that actually felt high-stakes. The resolution was satisfying, and I appreciated the final few chapters that put in work really showing us how these two navigated toward their ideal hea. I can’t wait to see where this series and Jenna take us next!
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 26, 2025
Little Max is all grown up! The next installment in Jenna Bigelow’s fantastic Roman Heirs series solidifies her place as one of my new favorite authors. No one hit wonders or sophomore slump here. Five stars for a series that’s only getting better. Spoilers below…..
If you read book 1 you know Max, of course you do. The unruly little street punk Crispina and Aeilus adopted after he mouthed off to Crispina during a school lesson. At the end of Book 1 Max was 17 and attending his father’s installment ceremony as co-consul of Rome. While there he’s caught by Crispina flirting with Volusia, the stepdaughter of Aeilus’ frenemy, Rufus.
Fast forward 10 years and Max is a grown man, in the army, patrolling the provinces and not particularly fond of the discipline and structure of military life. Who would’ve guessed?? Surely not anyone who’s ever met him. Max prefers to leave the politics to his father and spend his time on horseback with the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. Not a bad way to live after such a rough start in life.
That’s all well and good until the new governor of the province arrives with his wife…Volusia. Max has carried a torch for her for over a decade but was always despised by Rufus as unworthy, uncouth, rebellious, etc., basically the bad boy no father wants seducing his little girl. Volusia is stunned to see Max and vice versa. The banked embers of their feelings for one another immediately flare to life. Except…Volusia’s married. But when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, Max risks his life, his position in the army (and his most trusted companion, his horse named Elephant. Yes. That’s truly her name and it’s glorious. I was devastated when they were separated. But fear not, Elephant and her master are happily reunited) to get Volusia back to Rome and her son. Along the way their passion reignites and they have to find not only Volusia’s husband’s killer, but some way to make a relationship between them work because neither is letting go again, but they’re grown ups now with grown up problems that threaten to force them apart again, this time for good.
The author brings an engaging plot, strict attention to historical detail (which is much appreciated for this reader), snappy dialogue, fantastic writing and no lack of heat. This book gave me more of the emotional angst I was lacking in the first book. I was actually a bit nervous they would not be able to get over the enormous hurdles standing between them and a happy life together. Great depth of characters here. And God love Max. What a fun, lovable, loyal, strong, enticing man. As before, we get a strong female lead in Volusia who stands up for herself and knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to make it happen. No shrinking violets in this series. And as a personal point, I particularly like that Bigelow does not fall into historical romance cliches by making her male characters complete whores while keeping her females innocent naive virgins. It’s a huge part of why I don’t read historical romance and I’m happy there’s no extreme focus on female chastity here the way there is in much of the romance genre as a whole.
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have no relationship with the author and all opinions are my own. Do with that as you will.
If you read book 1 you know Max, of course you do. The unruly little street punk Crispina and Aeilus adopted after he mouthed off to Crispina during a school lesson. At the end of Book 1 Max was 17 and attending his father’s installment ceremony as co-consul of Rome. While there he’s caught by Crispina flirting with Volusia, the stepdaughter of Aeilus’ frenemy, Rufus.
Fast forward 10 years and Max is a grown man, in the army, patrolling the provinces and not particularly fond of the discipline and structure of military life. Who would’ve guessed?? Surely not anyone who’s ever met him. Max prefers to leave the politics to his father and spend his time on horseback with the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. Not a bad way to live after such a rough start in life.
That’s all well and good until the new governor of the province arrives with his wife…Volusia. Max has carried a torch for her for over a decade but was always despised by Rufus as unworthy, uncouth, rebellious, etc., basically the bad boy no father wants seducing his little girl. Volusia is stunned to see Max and vice versa. The banked embers of their feelings for one another immediately flare to life. Except…Volusia’s married. But when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances, Max risks his life, his position in the army (and his most trusted companion, his horse named Elephant. Yes. That’s truly her name and it’s glorious. I was devastated when they were separated. But fear not, Elephant and her master are happily reunited) to get Volusia back to Rome and her son. Along the way their passion reignites and they have to find not only Volusia’s husband’s killer, but some way to make a relationship between them work because neither is letting go again, but they’re grown ups now with grown up problems that threaten to force them apart again, this time for good.
The author brings an engaging plot, strict attention to historical detail (which is much appreciated for this reader), snappy dialogue, fantastic writing and no lack of heat. This book gave me more of the emotional angst I was lacking in the first book. I was actually a bit nervous they would not be able to get over the enormous hurdles standing between them and a happy life together. Great depth of characters here. And God love Max. What a fun, lovable, loyal, strong, enticing man. As before, we get a strong female lead in Volusia who stands up for herself and knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to make it happen. No shrinking violets in this series. And as a personal point, I particularly like that Bigelow does not fall into historical romance cliches by making her male characters complete whores while keeping her females innocent naive virgins. It’s a huge part of why I don’t read historical romance and I’m happy there’s no extreme focus on female chastity here the way there is in much of the romance genre as a whole.
I received a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have no relationship with the author and all opinions are my own. Do with that as you will.
May 17, 2025
Roman Heirs: Next generation. Max is the lovable street urchin rescued by Crispina in book 1. In his adolescence he falls into like with the daughter of his father’s co-consul Volusia. They send many boring political dinners trying to spell out swear-words with their food. One night she kisses him and her father is enraged. She is promptly married off to a very gay man and they do not see or hear from each other until 10 years later when her husband becomes the governor of the region where he is stationed as a soldier. As punishment for being late he is stationed as a guard at their house. They meet again and rekindle their friendship. Nothing untoward actually happens - UNTIL her husband is poisoned by his secretary/lover on the orders of Max’s corrupt general. DUN DUN DUN. After the murder Volusia is convinced something is amiss but confides her suspicions in the wrong person. She is transported back to Rome for formal mourning but the general has ordered the party of soldiers travelling with her to kill her. Max fights off his fellow soldiers and they escape. so he’s now a deserter and they both are presumed dead. They arrive in Rome and while both their families are delighted they are actually alive no one is willing to do anything about her husbands murder and her attempted murder without any proof. Meanwhile Max while looking for his horse accidentally reconnects with his long-lost family. Turns out his drunken father died in a tavern fight and his little sister married a kind farmer and the family has actually flourished. While trying to reconcile his feeling about his family, decide about what he actually wants to do with his life he realizes he loves Volusia and will do anything to be with her. Volusia meanwhile is under pressure to remarry and move on, for her son’s sake. She happens to see the secretary in a nice house in a nice neighbourhood. He was paid well for the poisoning. He almost kills her when she confronts him but Max again saves the day. All wrongs are righted. Max and Volusia decide they will spend 6 months on the farm where they will breed horses and 6 months in Rome among polite society each year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2025
Thank you Jenna for ARC.
If you want a change from British Regency and Victorian historical settings; here is a fresh one; the Romnan Empire.
This book 2 in Jenna Bigelow’s Roman Heirs series, after book 1, The Tribune Temptation, and the prequel novella, The Merchant Match.
⭐️this book was smooth as butter; so nice to read yet exciting enough to read in one sitting. So smooth yet exciting; what a combination!
⭐️Iris is the MVP, IYKYK.
⭐️this is a second chance (estranged teen friends) spicy romance with a murder mystery subplot; I live for anything that scratches my Amanda Quick itch.
⭐️Star-crossed lovers: The class difference remained present like a dark cloud over the relationship between Max and Volusia despite Max getting adopted by “people of the quality”.
⭐️Volusia was kind, sweet, gentle but also clever, fair, and determined. I liked having a “soft girl” for an FMC. She is aware of her social standing and her duty towards her son and her family, but it was sweet to see her choose love.
⭐️The MMC, Max, was adorable in book 1; I am glad to see his dorky, foul mouthed self all grown up. He believes that he is beneath Volusia’s station and can never have her but Our himbo horse boy himbo is loyal to her, reliable and is just happy to be in her presence and give her whatever she wants. He would even die for her if he must. He also makes sure that she has some fun in her life.
⭐️ ONE BED!!!!
⭐️ Oh, you thought this was just a romance? Trust me; you will get so much more.
⭐️ The mystery was relatively simple, and had more “adventure” /road trip elements than a complex “whodunnit”. It was fun to watch it unfold.
⭐️Jenny is now an auto buy author for me. And I love seeing the indie girlies killing the historical romance game.
If you want a change from British Regency and Victorian historical settings; here is a fresh one; the Romnan Empire.
This book 2 in Jenna Bigelow’s Roman Heirs series, after book 1, The Tribune Temptation, and the prequel novella, The Merchant Match.
⭐️this book was smooth as butter; so nice to read yet exciting enough to read in one sitting. So smooth yet exciting; what a combination!
⭐️Iris is the MVP, IYKYK.
⭐️this is a second chance (estranged teen friends) spicy romance with a murder mystery subplot; I live for anything that scratches my Amanda Quick itch.
⭐️Star-crossed lovers: The class difference remained present like a dark cloud over the relationship between Max and Volusia despite Max getting adopted by “people of the quality”.
⭐️Volusia was kind, sweet, gentle but also clever, fair, and determined. I liked having a “soft girl” for an FMC. She is aware of her social standing and her duty towards her son and her family, but it was sweet to see her choose love.
⭐️The MMC, Max, was adorable in book 1; I am glad to see his dorky, foul mouthed self all grown up. He believes that he is beneath Volusia’s station and can never have her but Our himbo horse boy himbo is loyal to her, reliable and is just happy to be in her presence and give her whatever she wants. He would even die for her if he must. He also makes sure that she has some fun in her life.
⭐️ ONE BED!!!!
⭐️ Oh, you thought this was just a romance? Trust me; you will get so much more.
⭐️ The mystery was relatively simple, and had more “adventure” /road trip elements than a complex “whodunnit”. It was fun to watch it unfold.
⭐️Jenny is now an auto buy author for me. And I love seeing the indie girlies killing the historical romance game.
May 10, 2025
This was so much fun! The Legionary Seduction is part second-chance romance, part murder mystery, and fully immersive historical fiction with a fresh and fascinating setting. It plays with familiar romance tropes while weaving in clever details and fun facts about Ancient Rome—and having lived in modern-day Rome for a couple of years, I loved recognizing the topography and geography.
While the murder mystery thread didn’t quite hit the same high notes for me, I appreciated the political and class-based complexities woven into the story. Hats off to Jenna Bigelow—she masterfully brings Ancient Rome to life, giving just enough context to make you feel grounded in the world without ever slipping into info-dump territory.
Volusia, the FMC, was a standout—decisive, bold, and refreshingly assertive. I loved how she just went for it. I didn’t connect with Max, the MMC, quite as much (maybe I’m just not a horse girl or a countryside soul), but his bond with Elephant was adorable, and I absolutely understood his motivations, even if they were miles from mine.
I do think the story might’ve benefited from more tension keeping the leads apart—but then again, it was kind of nice to see two realistic adults navigating priorities without constant drama. Somehow, this book pulls off being a murder mystery, cross-country chase, and family reunion and still manages to feel cozy and endearing. I honestly don’t know how, but I loved that it did.
If you’re on the fence about picking it up—do it. Ancient Rome has so much to offer, and Jenna Bigelow clearly knows how to show it off. A smart, comforting romance with historical richness—what’s not to love? I’ll definitely be waiting for book 3!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
While the murder mystery thread didn’t quite hit the same high notes for me, I appreciated the political and class-based complexities woven into the story. Hats off to Jenna Bigelow—she masterfully brings Ancient Rome to life, giving just enough context to make you feel grounded in the world without ever slipping into info-dump territory.
Volusia, the FMC, was a standout—decisive, bold, and refreshingly assertive. I loved how she just went for it. I didn’t connect with Max, the MMC, quite as much (maybe I’m just not a horse girl or a countryside soul), but his bond with Elephant was adorable, and I absolutely understood his motivations, even if they were miles from mine.
I do think the story might’ve benefited from more tension keeping the leads apart—but then again, it was kind of nice to see two realistic adults navigating priorities without constant drama. Somehow, this book pulls off being a murder mystery, cross-country chase, and family reunion and still manages to feel cozy and endearing. I honestly don’t know how, but I loved that it did.
If you’re on the fence about picking it up—do it. Ancient Rome has so much to offer, and Jenna Bigelow clearly knows how to show it off. A smart, comforting romance with historical richness—what’s not to love? I’ll definitely be waiting for book 3!
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
April 15, 2025
I got given this book as an ARC copy from the wonderful Jenna Bigelow! Thank you, Jenna!
First things first, what can I say? Jenna, you've done it again! I could not put this book down, the moment I picked it up. I could not put it down!
Highly recommend reading The Merchant's Match and The Tribune Temptation before this. Just for a little background, but it's not necessary really!
We first meet our MMC Max, who has been serving in the Roman Army as a Legionary for the last 10 years (he will be quite familiar to readers who have read The Tribune Temptation). He's still as foul mouthed as ever! Our FMC is Volusia, she's an absolute legend of a woman!
Now, Volusia comes to Max's province as her husband has recently become governor of the province! Unbeknownst, to anyone, they were childhood friends!
Unfortunately, Volusia's husband dies and she suspects foul play! Max gets closer and closer to Volusia, as she investigates his death.
The book has some wonderful spicy scenes as well as beautiful emotional scenes too! I think Max and Volusia are one of my favourite book couples, I've read so far for Roman Republic Historical Romance!
The emotional payoff in this book is built up to wonderfully! The realisation for both Max and Volusia is slow but wonderful. They both are incredibly well written and the attention that Jenna has put into this book and the hours of research has paid off!
All in all, incredibly good book! Read it!
First things first, what can I say? Jenna, you've done it again! I could not put this book down, the moment I picked it up. I could not put it down!
Highly recommend reading The Merchant's Match and The Tribune Temptation before this. Just for a little background, but it's not necessary really!
We first meet our MMC Max, who has been serving in the Roman Army as a Legionary for the last 10 years (he will be quite familiar to readers who have read The Tribune Temptation). He's still as foul mouthed as ever! Our FMC is Volusia, she's an absolute legend of a woman!
Now, Volusia comes to Max's province as her husband has recently become governor of the province! Unbeknownst, to anyone, they were childhood friends!
Unfortunately, Volusia's husband dies and she suspects foul play! Max gets closer and closer to Volusia, as she investigates his death.
The book has some wonderful spicy scenes as well as beautiful emotional scenes too! I think Max and Volusia are one of my favourite book couples, I've read so far for Roman Republic Historical Romance!
The emotional payoff in this book is built up to wonderfully! The realisation for both Max and Volusia is slow but wonderful. They both are incredibly well written and the attention that Jenna has put into this book and the hours of research has paid off!
All in all, incredibly good book! Read it!
May 11, 2025
I was very excited about reading The Legionary Seduction because of the setting, the Roman Republic and of course, Max and Volusia's love story. I usually read regency or victorian romance novels and this one was a breath of fresh air. I loved this book, which is a compelling and enjoyable read. The Legionary Seduction is a second chance romance with intrigue, mystery and adventure. Max and Volusia are wonderful characters. He is an easy-going person, humorous, loyal, brave, compassionate, sensible and peaceful. Volusia is brave, smart, stands for what she believes in, compassionate, aware of her duty and loyal. Max, who is now a legionary stationed in Gaul, finds out the wife of the new governor is the girl he was in love with when they were 17, some 10 years ago. Velusia has never forgotten Max, the boy she kissed at her father's house 10 years ago, and she is surprised to find him there. Following a tragedy, Max and Volusia must work together to bring justice to light but they cannot ignore the passion and feelings that resurface. The Legionary Seduction is a thrilling and exciting historical romance. I loved the developing relationship between Max and Volusia in the shadow of the class differences between them and Max's sense of unworthiness. I can't recommend it enough!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5 💕
We’re back in Ancient Rome for book 2 of Jenna Bigelow’s Roman Heirs series and I am HERE for Max’s story. He was such a standout character previously so I couldn’t wait to see what his future held.
Max and Volusia were childhood friends whose paths diverged after being caught in an embrace by her arsehole stepfather (still hate you Rufus). She marries an ambitious politician as planned, whilst Max joins the army as a legionary. Years later, they’re reunited when Volusia’s husband becomes the new governor of the province where Max is stationed. However, when Volusia’s husband unexpectedly dies and she suspects foul play, she and Max are thrown together as corruption endangers them both.
I loved Max. I loved that he still had that street kid edge to him and his rough edges hadn’t been too smoothed over. He could be relaxed and easygoing, but also steps up to the plate when needed. Especially for Volusia. He had delightful himbo energy and the way he loved his horse, Elephant, made my heart all warm and mushy.
Volusia had a loveless marriage, but she has a 9 year old son and high hopes that he will follow in his father’s footsteps. Volusia has perfected the docile, politician’s wife facade and can deftly navigate the requirements of the role. However, she’s also tenacious, smart and determined to do what’s right for her son. Whilst I was occasionally frustrated by this determination to advance her son’s future by remarrying well, I completely understood her motivations.
I loved the way Max pined for Volusia and how he was completely there for her. Neither of them think they can have a future together, but they want to make the most of their limited time together. I thought the way their HEA was fought for and the ultimate resolution felt realistic and appropriate for the characters.
As I’m coming to expect from Jenna’s writing, the book was well researched and the Ancient Rome setting was immersive. The characters were full of depth and the chemistry was on point. I’m already excited for the next book!
Thanks to the author for proving an eARC of this book.
We’re back in Ancient Rome for book 2 of Jenna Bigelow’s Roman Heirs series and I am HERE for Max’s story. He was such a standout character previously so I couldn’t wait to see what his future held.
Max and Volusia were childhood friends whose paths diverged after being caught in an embrace by her arsehole stepfather (still hate you Rufus). She marries an ambitious politician as planned, whilst Max joins the army as a legionary. Years later, they’re reunited when Volusia’s husband becomes the new governor of the province where Max is stationed. However, when Volusia’s husband unexpectedly dies and she suspects foul play, she and Max are thrown together as corruption endangers them both.
I loved Max. I loved that he still had that street kid edge to him and his rough edges hadn’t been too smoothed over. He could be relaxed and easygoing, but also steps up to the plate when needed. Especially for Volusia. He had delightful himbo energy and the way he loved his horse, Elephant, made my heart all warm and mushy.
Volusia had a loveless marriage, but she has a 9 year old son and high hopes that he will follow in his father’s footsteps. Volusia has perfected the docile, politician’s wife facade and can deftly navigate the requirements of the role. However, she’s also tenacious, smart and determined to do what’s right for her son. Whilst I was occasionally frustrated by this determination to advance her son’s future by remarrying well, I completely understood her motivations.
I loved the way Max pined for Volusia and how he was completely there for her. Neither of them think they can have a future together, but they want to make the most of their limited time together. I thought the way their HEA was fought for and the ultimate resolution felt realistic and appropriate for the characters.
As I’m coming to expect from Jenna’s writing, the book was well researched and the Ancient Rome setting was immersive. The characters were full of depth and the chemistry was on point. I’m already excited for the next book!
Thanks to the author for proving an eARC of this book.
May 8, 2025
I am a sucker for a second chance romance and this one was full of the yearning and angst I love in those stories! If you want a story where the MMC is down bad this is the one for you. Max fell hard for Volusia as a kid and has not stopped pining since which I found adorable. They both want each other BAD and it was so fun to see them find a way back to each other. I admired the way the author structured the story. The premise has the potential to get very messy but the author cleverly inserted other obstacles so the story kept moving without having the characters resort to cheating. As a big historical fan, I'm always delighted when stories are set in time periods other than Regency. It was refreshing to take a detour into Ancient Rome and explore that period for a while. I will say there was a lot emphasis put on their past connection and I would have loved to see more relationship development in the present. But if you're looking for a high heat story with lots of yearning then I think you'll have a great time with this one.
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
Thanks to the author for the ARC!
May 9, 2025
One of the things I most enjoyed about The Legionary Seduction is its hero, Max. He is definitely not the swiftest guy out there, but he’s thoughtful, especially when it comes to the girl he never quite got over, Volusia. But he wanted to be a soldier, and she was destined to be a politician’s wife. Seeing them reconnect ten years after each moved in their own direction is the heart of this book.
Volusia is married, but there is plenty that Bigelow does to make her interest in Max palatable. And Max is a charmer, steadfast in his care for Volusia and willing to accommodate her needs. Bigelow moves their story along swiftly, introducing dangers both external and internal for each of them. I particularly liked how Volusia’s return made Max reevaluate what was in essence a stagnant career.
There were a couple of twists in the story that I thought were a bit too easy, particularly when it came to the villain. But that’s a minor gripe in what overall is a fine read. Bigelow is doing some fantastic work in bringing the Roman Empire, warts and all, back to historical romance. Give this fantastic series a chance!
Volusia is married, but there is plenty that Bigelow does to make her interest in Max palatable. And Max is a charmer, steadfast in his care for Volusia and willing to accommodate her needs. Bigelow moves their story along swiftly, introducing dangers both external and internal for each of them. I particularly liked how Volusia’s return made Max reevaluate what was in essence a stagnant career.
There were a couple of twists in the story that I thought were a bit too easy, particularly when it came to the villain. But that’s a minor gripe in what overall is a fine read. Bigelow is doing some fantastic work in bringing the Roman Empire, warts and all, back to historical romance. Give this fantastic series a chance!
May 17, 2025
I'm in love with this type of historical romance.. Ancient Rome..
I was held captive by this story from the beginning to the end..
Volusia is married in the beginning and she becomes a widow after her husband is killed because of something he discovered that he shouldn't have and with the help of her childhood crush who she thought she would never cross paths with again, she's determined to seek justice for her husband..
Max had thought he would live his life out in the army but then the one woman who is his weakness shows up in his life after 10 years and he throws it all away to protect her and to help her stop corruption in the military..
This story has an amazing murder mystery plot along with an interesting twist of Roman era politics and a horse named Elephant!
I definitely can't wait to read the next one!!
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else.
I was held captive by this story from the beginning to the end..
Volusia is married in the beginning and she becomes a widow after her husband is killed because of something he discovered that he shouldn't have and with the help of her childhood crush who she thought she would never cross paths with again, she's determined to seek justice for her husband..
Max had thought he would live his life out in the army but then the one woman who is his weakness shows up in his life after 10 years and he throws it all away to protect her and to help her stop corruption in the military..
This story has an amazing murder mystery plot along with an interesting twist of Roman era politics and a horse named Elephant!
I definitely can't wait to read the next one!!
I received this book from the author as an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest voluntary review and this is purely based upon my own personal opinion and that of no else.
Read
May 8, 2025I like how each book in this series covers a new generation. Max is in the army, stationed at Narbo, where a new governor has just arrived with his wife - who happens to be Volusia, a childhood friend Max hasn't seen in ten years since her stepfather caught them in a kiss. Unsurprisingly, sparks start to fly between them again pretty quickly. I will say I didn't quite feel their connection or chemistry - it felt like a lot of the narrative relied on their childhood friendship, which we don't get to see much of. But that's a tricky thing with second chance romances.
Max is a certified horse boy, which is cute. The story has a nice balance of action and the very real struggle to fit together two different lives. I enjoyed that it's set in the Roman Republic and hope to see more variety in terms of time and place for historical romances in the future.
I received an ARC from the author.
Max is a certified horse boy, which is cute. The story has a nice balance of action and the very real struggle to fit together two different lives. I enjoyed that it's set in the Roman Republic and hope to see more variety in terms of time and place for historical romances in the future.
I received an ARC from the author.
May 9, 2025
This is a former childhood friends/second chance story with the most beautiful cover! Max and Volusia used to be be friends when they were teenagers. Ten years has passed, and now Max is in the army and Volusia has been married to the governor, who's just died. Max is a part of the caravan to take her back to Rome.
I love characters who curse a lot, even at inappropriate times, and this is Max. He's rough. Volusia is a refined lady. I also adore opposite attracts. Their romance progression is very sweet and also scorching.
Max's horse named Elephant wins the award for best notable pet. I was nervous at first when they become separated, but it all turns out.
Max also reconnects with his birth family. His sister and nephew are especially adorable and charming. I love it that he cannot stump his nephew on trivia, no matter what.
Thank you to Jenna Bigelow for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
I love characters who curse a lot, even at inappropriate times, and this is Max. He's rough. Volusia is a refined lady. I also adore opposite attracts. Their romance progression is very sweet and also scorching.
Max's horse named Elephant wins the award for best notable pet. I was nervous at first when they become separated, but it all turns out.
Max also reconnects with his birth family. His sister and nephew are especially adorable and charming. I love it that he cannot stump his nephew on trivia, no matter what.
Thank you to Jenna Bigelow for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
June 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ The second in the series was also great! I forgot to write a review right after I finished it so this will be shorter than normal! This one follows Crispina and Aelius’ son Max from the first book, and his second chance romance with Volusia as they dodge danger following her husband’s murder. It was just as well written as the first and also had the perfect spice to plot ratio. I liked how Volusia was pragmatic and Max was the romantic in the relationship, and I loved the progression of their relationship. The only thing I didn’t love was that we missed their first part of their relationship from childhood so it felt a little insta-lovey to me but that’s what you get with second chance childhood sweetheart stories so I didn’t mind too much! Can’t wait to read the next one next month!
May 27, 2025
I loved the angst, longing and yearning these two characters Max and Volusia had for each other.
If you love a second chance, childhood friends to lovers, forbidden love, mystery and a cinnamon roll Hero all wrapped up in an Ancient Rome setting, then you have to read this one.
It's not essential to read book one in this series, but I must say that I did prefer book one a tiny bit more because road trips are not my favourite trope and I picked who the culprit was from the start in this book.
I received an arc via the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
If you love a second chance, childhood friends to lovers, forbidden love, mystery and a cinnamon roll Hero all wrapped up in an Ancient Rome setting, then you have to read this one.
It's not essential to read book one in this series, but I must say that I did prefer book one a tiny bit more because road trips are not my favourite trope and I picked who the culprit was from the start in this book.
I received an arc via the author and this opinion is my own and review is submitted voluntarily.
April 5, 2025
I received an ARC by the author.
Fantastic! Jenna Bigelow had done it again. I never thought I’d get into Historical Romance but now I have thanks to her. If you enjoyed her prior works you will love this. Continue along the Roman Heirs saga and see how Aelius & Crispina’s adopted son Max grown into an adult. Get ready for more excellently researched ancient Roman Republic history this time on a breath-taking adventure outside the city filled with romantic mystery, suspense, and of course her jaw-dropping sex scenes!!
Fantastic! Jenna Bigelow had done it again. I never thought I’d get into Historical Romance but now I have thanks to her. If you enjoyed her prior works you will love this. Continue along the Roman Heirs saga and see how Aelius & Crispina’s adopted son Max grown into an adult. Get ready for more excellently researched ancient Roman Republic history this time on a breath-taking adventure outside the city filled with romantic mystery, suspense, and of course her jaw-dropping sex scenes!!
July 4, 2025
I was super excited to read this book because I really enjoyed the first one and the prequel.
And although I did enjoyed it, the beginning was a bit slow, and that made it take me ages to read. But once I got to about the 40% mark, it got super interesting, and I couldn't put it down.
I love teenage crushes, and this is one of them, and combined with the action, intrigue, the time period, the appearance of characters from previous books, and Elephant, it made for a really good book.
Thanks to the author for the eArc.
And although I did enjoyed it, the beginning was a bit slow, and that made it take me ages to read. But once I got to about the 40% mark, it got super interesting, and I couldn't put it down.
I love teenage crushes, and this is one of them, and combined with the action, intrigue, the time period, the appearance of characters from previous books, and Elephant, it made for a really good book.
Thanks to the author for the eArc.
May 19, 2025
he's a himbo, she's a prissy piece of cardboard, the son is a total weiner, the real mother should be ashamed of herself and the sister doesn't get to give Max a hard time over it.
the language used is pretty modern, and it just didn't sit right with me. it almost made me feel like the book wasn't taking itself seriously.
I liked the plot, loved the time period and distinction it has from Regency, but found the characters to be a little more than fact sheets.
the language used is pretty modern, and it just didn't sit right with me. it almost made me feel like the book wasn't taking itself seriously.
I liked the plot, loved the time period and distinction it has from Regency, but found the characters to be a little more than fact sheets.
April 20, 2025
Another gorgeous historical from Jenna Bigelow! I greatly enjoyed both book 1 and the prequel novella, but something about Max and Volusia really captured my heart this time around! I'm a sucker for childhood friends to lovers and their path was more complicated than most, leading to the most delightful payoff. I love this series and can't wait to read more from Jenna Bigelow!
April 23, 2025
I loved this latest addition to the series. In this book we see Max grown up. It was lovely to see the next generation. The plot was fast paced and nicely written. I enjoyed the character of Volusia as well. As always, the details of daily life in Ancient Rome were expertly woven into the plot. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
May 9, 2025
A fantastic tale set in Ancient Rome. This is a second chance opportunity for Max and Volusia. They were friends who went different ways and meet up again ten years later. The mysterious death of her husband leads the two of them on an adventure full of deceit, politics and corruption. Well written and good character depth.
May 11, 2025
A fantastic tale set in Ancient Rome. This is a second chance opportunity for Max and Volusia. They were friends who went different ways and meet up again ten years later. The mysterious death of her husband leads the two of them on an adventure full of deceit, politics and corruption. Well written and good character depth.
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